Egypt booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after defeating Benin 3–1 after extra time in their Round of 16 encounter in Agadir.
The match ended 1–1 after regulation time, forcing extra time before the Pharaohs sealed victory.
Following a goalless first half, Egypt broke the deadlock in the 70th minute through Marwan Attia, who curled a superb strike into the top corner from 25 metres after a neat exchange involving Mohammed Salah and Mohamed Hany.
Benin responded 13 minutes later after benefiting from a fortunate sequence. Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy initially saved a deflected effort, but Jodel Dossou reacted quickest to slot in the rebound and force extra time.
Egypt regained the lead in the seventh minute of extra time when centre-back Yasser Ibrahim rose highest to head home from a short-corner routine.
Marwan Attia provided the precise delivery that allowed Ibrahim’s looping header to beat Benin goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou.
As Benin committed players forward in search of an equaliser, Egypt sealed the victory through captain Mohammed Salah, who carried the ball from inside his own half before calmly lifting it over the advancing Dandjinou.
The goal crowned a commanding performance from the seven-time champions.
Benin’s AFCON 2025 campaign comes to an end at the Round of 16 stage, their best-ever finish at the tournament.
Egypt, the most successful nation in Africa Cup of Nations history, will now face the winner of Tuesday’s Round of 16 clash between defending champions Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso in the quarter-finals.
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Story by Xavier Mensah | univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Erica Odeenyin Odoom
